A Many-Pronged Approach

摘要

Since 1999, the number of opioid-related mortalities has quadrupled. In response, pharmaceutical companies are developing a variety of novel formulations with abuse-deterring characteristics, placing pharmacists in a key position to help stem the epidemic by imparting their unsurpassed knowledge of drug mechanisms and safety. This issue's continuing education article, "Combating Opioid Abuse Through New Formulations and Policy," by Kimberly Ng, PharmD, BCPS, and Josh Rickard, PharmD, BCPS, CDE, highlights key reformulated medications and drug-development strategies. An oral medication, Hysingla ER (hydrocodone bitartrate extended-release) was approved in November 2014 and employs Purdue Pharma's proprietary extended-release solid oral platform, RESISTEC. As Hysingla's labeling indicates, the drug has been redesigned to reduce chewing, snorting, and IV forms of abuse.